I received the Mystery Ranch ASAP from a good friend to test out. Since it wasn’t my pack to keep I wasn’t able to make any permanent modifications to it… which is something that will be touched on later. I used the pack for three weeks and I think I was able to get a good sense of it in terms of my likes and dislikes.
Mystery Ranch ASAP Review
I used the Mystery Ranch ASAP as my daily pack for three weeks (between 3/1/2015 and 3/21/2015). I did not use this pack for any events or trips however it did accompany me to work every day. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this pack it does need to be configured before use. The Mystery Ranch website has a few videos on how to do this and it’s pretty easy… I was able to do it in twenty minutes.
Quality
This pack is quality. There’s no way around it… when you put it on (or even touch it) you can feel that it’s made of great materials. The sewing is on-point and everything feels like it will outlive you. There’s a good chance you’ll be dead before this pack is.
Just look at all of the sewing in the above picture and find an imperfection. All I can say is good luck… you’ll need it. I love to see when companies use experienced sewers. If I have to trim off extra thread then that always feels like it cheapens the experience.
The pack is incredibly sturdy and, due to the frame sheet system, sits incredibly well. When you put this on (and it’s configured correctly) you feel like you could carry any amount of weight no problem.
Design
The “special” Mystery Ranch system utilizes what they call the tri-zip opening. This means that you can open the pack up completely or just open the top to drop stuff into it.
While this is a great idea in theory it did get a little tiresome having to take two steps to fully open the pack. To get to the above stage you have to pull the top back (step 1) which unzips the two top zippers then pull the main zipper down (step 2). I’d imagine that if I spent more than three weeks with the bag I’d get used to this system but after three weeks it still felt foreign to me.
There are two interior bag pockets on this pack (one on each side) that you’re able to store either a water bladder or other smallish objects in. While they’re nice for keeping things separate they can, unfortunately, make it difficult for you to put larger items in the bag. For example, whenever I would try and put my laptop in the pack it would more often than not get caught on one of these side pockets.
There’s a nice label inside the pack which shows where the pack was sewn, when it was made, and verification that all pieces checked off. It’s a nice touch and definitely gives the pack some personality.
The outside of the ASAP features enough webbing to attach almost any small pouch to. You should notice that the largest area sports three columns which means most four column admin pouches (like the TAD OP1) will not fit.
Moving to the bottom of the pack you’ll find one row of webbing. This row is used for the Mystery Ranch Stick-It accessory but could probably come in handy for other reasons. I bet that if you used some webbing you could create an easy loop for a sleeping bag roll or something similar.
There’s a nice square of Velcro at the top of the pack for patches. This is directly over the top opening which is honestly nice to see. It’s not staring people right in the face which makes it seem less over-the-top.
Right behind the patch area is a top pocket which is great for things you want to reach quickly. Since there are no small internal pockets you’ll want to store anything you need at an arms reach here.
There’s a zippered pocket within this zippered pocket so it adds another level to organize items.
Right behind the top pocket is another zipper which gives access to the main compartment. The two uses for this are to either drop items into your pack quickly or feed a hydration hose out. It doesn’t open enough to get more than a hand in there but that’s fine… it serves its purpose well.
The pack comes with a sternum strap which is always a plus. I mean if you’re going to be carrying weight with this you’ll want one. The only disadvantage is if you break it they’re in the $20 market for a spare off the Mystery Ranch site.
In addition to the sternum strap there is also a waist strap if you end up needing one. I never carried enough weight to warrant so thankfully it could be tucked away.
You’ll notice these little grab areas all over the pack wherever a zipper is present. These are so necessary and I’m glad that they’re present. Because of the direction of the zippers you almost always need to grab one of these when using them.
The one nice aspect of having slightly difficult to operate zippers is that they won’t unzip on their own. Not once did I find this pack open on its own which is always a major plus.
The first logo on the pack is right below the Velcro area and the second logo is shown above on the shoulder strap. There are more logos on this than the GORUCK and Triple Aught Design packs but I’m glad that they’re not all over or distracting.
Usability
I absolutely love that there’s a built-in pocket for the waist strap. 99% of the time you don’t need a waist strap for daily use so the ability to hide it is crucial and I’m glad Mystery Ranch realized that.
The ability to adjust the pack is incredible and really allows you to customize it to your needs.
I feel like a broken record but I just can’t get past these internal pockets. There’s no way to close them (without a modification) and they snag my laptop nearly every time I put it in there. Being a software developer I rarely go anywhere without a laptop which is infuriating. I understand if you were using this for hiking or a day trip you might not need your laptop (thus this wouldn’t be an issue) but for an EDC review I can’t let it slide.
Value
At $245 – $282 this is not a cheap pack. However, it is made in the USA, comes with an awesome frame, and is made of very high quality materials. It costs about the same as a GORUCK GR0 or a Triple Aught Design Litespeed so, in my opinion, it’s priced fairly.
Modifications
Now I wasn’t able to make any modifications on the pack (because it’s not mine) but I definitely had an idea for this pack. If given the chance I would have done something to those internal pockets immediately. It’s tough even looking at pictures of them…
I don’t know if it would have been Velcro to keep them closed or something else but the way they are now did not work well for my laptop. More times than not when putting my laptop into the ASAP it would get caught on one (or both) of the pockets. Once caught I’d need to stick my hand in and push the pockets to the side to allow the laptop to go in smoothly. Now this doesn’t sound like that big of a deal but having to do this 4 – 6 times per day every day can get old quick.
Mystery Ranch ASAP (EDC Use)
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Quality
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Design
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Usability
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Value
Summary
Pros
- Spot on sewing and stitching
- Lots of MOLLE for external pockets
- Amazing frame sheet
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Tri-Zip can be a pain
- Inside pockets snag large items
Used For: Every Day Carry (EDC)
Tested For: One Month
Conclusion: Great pack however something needs to be done about the internal pockets.
Not sure if this discussion is still active, but Im trying to choose between the TAD fast pack edc and the MR 3DAP. They both look solid but it appears the TAD may be more versatile, especially if you add a control panel and an OP1 to it. Anyone have any opinions either way? I’ve never held a pack from either company so I’m shopping blind online here.
Thanks
Ken
What’s the use-case for it? The Mystery Ranch has the Futura Yoke system which makes carrying heavier loads easier. If it’s for every-day use you’ll definitely find more organization within the TAD.
If you haven’t bought one yet here’s some of my experience with both bags:
TAD EDC is beautiful in every way but over-built and way too heavy for normal EDC unless you’re on the front-line somewhere. It’s wildly versatile which, while a plus if you use it in different roles, also makes it less urban friendly, IMHO.
The 3DAP is much lighter-feeling and better for urban use while still being very adaptable for hiking or camping. I have two of them, only because I couldn’t pick just one colour, as well as an ASAP which feels like a million dollars on your back and is a great EDC for light use.
You will never go wrong with either brand and will always be able to re-sell them if they don’t meet your needs.
Solving your laptop issue: MR SpadeLock system with laptop sleeve https://vimeo.com/46451837 . for some reason not advertised on their site but they will sell it over the phone. more pics here https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/auc-waiper/item/myb061404101/
That’s really, really interesting. Thanks so much for the links! I can definitely see how that would help solve my issues.
I have an ASAP in coyote that I use for hiking and occasional EDC. It’s probably the best-built bag I’ve ever had (along with my MR Sweet Pea) and a pleasure to use.
I’m sure you would agree that the GR series suits your need to securely carry a laptop better than this MR model. I only carry a tablet in my ASAP for the same reason that you outlined.
The utility of the Tri-Zip design would probably grow on you in a bigger bag, like the 3Day Assault pack or the lighter Sweet Pea which is the same size. It really comes in handy when you need something anywhere in the pack and is a clever alternative to the clamshell design.
The slightly rounded shape of the MR bags also accommodates odd-shaped items more easily than rectangular bags.
The biggest issue with MR bags is that they become a bit of an addiction.
I’ve recently started using a Tom Bihn Smart Alec and have found that it suits my needs really well especially when it comes to those odd-shaped items. I’m thinking I might need to give the 3Day a try. With their new website set up and the addition of more “Urban” packs I’m hoping for an Urban style 3Day, like how the Street Fighter seems like the Urban style ASAP.
Awesome review Brian. Definitely helping in my decision making process for a new pack. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much Jason! That really means a lot.
Great review! I’m in the market for a new backpack. Which would you prefer as an EDC pack and why: the MR ASAP or GR GR0? I’m considering both and was looking at the TAD Fast Pack Lightspeed, but its forever sold out.
That’s a tough one… and one you might have trouble finding a non-biased answer to online as both camps (GR and MR) have very loyal followings.
What’s your life like? If you’re working at a company where standard dress is business casual then I’d say the GR0 because it pulls off nicely in that type of situation. If you’re planning on taking it hiking then the ASAP might be better because of the amazing frame sheet it has. I have a TAD Litespeed (both V1 and V2, a GR0, GR1, GR2, a TAD EDC, and had a MR ASAP and I currently carry my 2011 GORUCK GR1. It’s a little old, a little ratty, but it has been through a ton of adventures and I like that.
One of the good things about both GORUCK and Mystery Ranch is that you can sell their packs on eBay or in Facebook groups for nearly the price you paid for them in the event that you don’t like the one you chose.
Nice review Bryan! I’ve used my ASAP on a hike and for edc on a trip to Baltimore. Those inside pockets are too big and too loose but I don’t carry a laptop so not a big problem. For the hike, I put my Source bladder in one side which worked well. Comfortable pack during 8 mile hike. I wish it had a couple of small zipper pockets on the inside but the area in the lid works well. Just would like a bit more built in organization. Also wish the pals webbing on the inside was at the top instead of the middle. For short hikes it’s great but for edc still not sure. I have a urban zippy I am trying out for edc.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the urban zippy! One of my friends bought one but it hasn’t arrived yet… it looks like a nice pack!
I almost gave up on it because it is way too floppy but has excellent organization. I ordered a Omni framesheet/stays which I think will help. It’s also a bit big for what I need but I will deal with that.
See the new Kifaru Antero? I had seen it at SHOT Show 2015 but it looks like they’ve finally listed it on their site for sale. I’m waiting for some more reviews to come out but it looks promising for an EDC pack.
Link: https://store.kifaru.net/antero1500ci245-liters-p189.aspx
I have one sitting in my cart waiting to checkout for the last two days. I was not to hot on it when I first saw it but after doing some reading and seeing some more pics, I want to give it a try. I just got the frame sheet for the zippy which is an improvement. It was way too floppy without it. The size appears to be about the same as the Antero. I figure I can always sell the zippy which will cover part of the Antero. There is about a two to four week wait for the Antero.
I’m in the same boat… had one in my cart since it was released but haven’t brought myself to buy one yet. One of the nice things about Kifaru products is that (like TAD and GR) you can almost recoup your entire purchase cost if you sell it.
I guess the decision comes down to Black or Wolf Gray :)
Wolf gray sitting in my cart. I would have bought already if Uncle Sam didn’t just take a bunch of my money.